Author: maria

Ashley Martin

Written by maria on September 22, 2021. Posted in Leadership.

Ashley officially joined the Roc Solid team as Director of Marketing in 2017 after managing the organization’s brand and communications efforts as a volunteer for nearly seven years. She oversees all communication to volunteers, sponsors, donors and the public. She’s also Eric’s go-to for implementing “big ideas,” of which there are many.

Ashley graduated from the University of Central Florida (#goknightsgo) with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations. For 10 years, she was senior account manager for Hampton Roads’ premier PR firm. She never planned to work in the nonprofit sector, but when this opportunity presented itself, she couldn’t say no.

Ashley is extremely passionate about Roc Solid’s mission, sharing its stories and maintaining its brand as the organization grows. And #shelikestocommunicate, so you’ll be hearing from her soon!

Adam Legault

Written by maria on September 22, 2021. Posted in Leadership.

Goooooood morning!

This is how you know our director of operations, Adam, has entered the room. Full of energy and at least a head taller than most of our team members, his presence can’t be ignored.

Adam is a graduate of the University of North Florida and worked in hospitality for nearly 30 years, holding positions such as regional vice president of operations. After leaving hospitality, he felt a calling to give back and do meaningful work, and we’re lucky he found us at Roc Solid!

In his role, he oversees all facets of the organization, working with the team to execute our Founder’s vision and paving the way to grow our programs nationwide. He’s a great problem-solver, extremely passionate about our mission, and loves working with the team to impact families during their toughest times.

Eric Newman

Written by maria on September 22, 2021. Posted in Leadership.

Eric is the founder of Roc Solid Foundation. With his mind on the mission, he manages the staff and oversees all key initiatives, including children’s hospital partnerships, major sponsor relationships and Roc Solid’s strategic growth plan. He is also host of Roc Solid’s What Hope Looks Like podcast.

As a pediatric cancer survivor, Eric is all too familiar with the battle a family faces when their child is diagnosed. And that’s what drives him daily toward the vision of one day building hope for every child fighting cancer.

Eric is an avid reader and dedicated leader who speaks to large groups regularly, sharing his personal story. If you’re around him long enough, you’re sure to hear a metaphor or reference to a self-growth book he’s reading.

With a “think big, act small” approach, Eric puts the highest value on relationships and those who have supported the organization as it’s grown. He keeps Roc Solid staff members busy with never-ending “larger than life” ideas, always pushing the envelope and always with the mission in mind.

Dave Woolwine

Written by maria on September 22, 2021. Posted in Leadership.

David F. Woolwine, Jr. is currently the President of the Paraclete Group a leadership coaching and organization development consulting company. Prior to this role, Dave was the Chief Learning Officer at Sentara Healthcare in Norfolk, Virginia, a Human Resources Director for Inova Health System in Northern Virginia, a Senior Consultant with the Ken Blanchard Companies and the Founder and President at CD & Associates of Virginia.

David received his Bachelor’s degree from Virginia Military Institute and his Masters of Education in Human Resource Development from George Washington University. David and his bride Cindy have three children and nine grandchildren.

His oldest grandson, Jackson, was the recipient of Roc Solid’s fourth playset build in 2010, and David can uniquely empathize with the families that are going through their cancer journeys. His favorite part is giving back to an organization that means so much his family.

As a kid, David loved to play football and baseball with his brothers and watch his sister ride horses.

Chessie Williams

Written by maria on September 22, 2021. Posted in Leadership.

Chessie Williams is an HR professional with HR Signature Links and Proceed HR Consulting. She has more than 13 years of industry experience and resides in Chesapeake with her family. Chessie was drawn to Roc Solid’s mission following her sister’s battle with Leukemia; she is now a 30+ year survivor. She understands the impact cancer has on families and enjoys playing a role in giving back.

As a child, Chessie enjoyed playing tennis, being outdoors and spending time with family.

Aaron L. VanDyke

Written by maria on September 22, 2021. Posted in Leadership.

Aaron L. VanDyke is Vice President at Ryan Homes overseeing the Atlanta area. He has been with Ryan Homes since 2003 working in Richmond, VA Hampton Roads, VA and Atlanta, GA. Aaron grew up in New Kent County, VA and received his Bachelors of Science from James Madison University in 2002. He has two children, Lila and Camden, and married his wife Stephanie in 2010.

Aaron strongly believes in giving back to the community where he lives and works. Aaron became involved with Roc Solid in 2014 at a Play It Forward build. Aaron served as chairman of the board for 5 years until relocating to Atlanta in 2021. Aaron was touched by the foundations mission to help, love and serve families in the toughest time of their lives. He is excited to continue to find ways for children and families to have fun while dealing with Cancer. Aaron is excited to help spread the mission of Roc Solid to Atlanta and the South East.

Larry Taylor

Written by maria on September 22, 2021. Posted in Leadership.

Larry Taylor is a Founding Partner of CBT Integrated Logistics LLC. and President of GSI Warehousing Inc. His companies have been providing supply chain logistics solutions to import and export customers of the Port of Virginia for the last 15 years. He is also a partner in Honda of Norfolk, one of oldest and most respected Honda motorcycle dealerships in Tidewater. He has been a Roc Solid board member since November 2019 and has happily served on the Ready Bag Committee for the past 4 years.

Born and educated in Maryland, Larry relocated to Virginia Beach in 2007 with his wife Angie and three boys – Adam, Ethan and Chase – to better align his business with his customers’ needs and the port. Larry was first exposed to Roc Solid in 2015 during a chance encounter at the Night for the Fight where he participated in the “Nerf Gun Challenge” with his middle son’s soccer team. Since that night, he has had a passion for the Roc Solid mission to love and support these families on